New microwave - turntable or flatbed?

My current microwave - an older turntable model - is starting to show some signs of frailty and I may have to acquire another at fairly short notice. (We use it a lot.)

Given the large price difference and the fact that if we have to have a new one, we'll likely be stuck with it for a good while, I was wondering in particular whether it's worth investing in a flatbed model.

we replaced our not so old panasonic with a flatbed panasonic earlier this year as our one had developed a non repairable fault.New one is slightly smaller internally but that has only been a problem once when using it as an oven for big things and required juggling around pans to fit.But I have to say I like the flatbed and think it's an improvement. it still catches me as odd that whatever you've got in doesn't turn around though! If I'm worried about things boiling over then I make sure I use the rectangular Pyrex tray that came with the microwave. we also opted for a drop down door rather than side hung and that's great. HTH

Want to know why my microwave is such a bastard? Let me tell you... What kind of idiot sits down to redesign the company's new offering and thinks "hmm, I know what will go down a storm, let's make the ring underneath the round glass plate triangular! Yes! No trouble will come from that at all!"

I've also got the combi Panasonic flatbed with drop down door - bought about 4 years ago. Love it - easy to bake dishes in rectangular containers, and it's very powerful, so microwaving is much quicker. As I live alone, I often heat up ready meals, and this is perfect for the job. Go for it!

Frog, I am ashamed to admit I've never cleaned the grill, but that may be because I've never used the grill function! As for the rest of the inside - just a wipe round when I think about it. I don't cook "messy" food too often, although heating soup usually means a few splashes which get wiped straight away.

I'm surprised yours is making a noise, as Panasonic are so reliable - my old Dimension 4 combo was about 30 years old when I replaced it, and still worked well!